Report: Parents lost in lack of DOE translations

The language barrier between city schools and immigrant parents is far too wide, according to study results released Wednesday.

The New York Immigration Coalition made the announcement on the steps of the Tweed Courthouse in Manhattan, saying there are major problems with translation services. The organization surveyed more than 900 parents and visited more than 100 schools over the course of a year.

The NYIC found translations were often unavailable for report cards and during parent-teacher conferences. The study also found many parents were unaware the service is available because schools are failing to post information in non-English languages.

The Department of Education says it has contacted the NYIC about the study. The agency maintains more parents are asking for and receiving translation services.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced the language initiative in February 2006 to keep parents better informed.